roust

Definition of roustnext
as in to wake
to force (someone or something) to move from a place The soldiers were rousted from their beds before sunrise.

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of roust At this point, many comedians would have given up, perhaps abandoning Jarle for better comedy, but Conan needles and cajoles him just enough to roust his spirits. Stephen Rodrick, Variety, 18 Apr. 2024 The European folk roots of Ferrell's work felt front and center with the arrangement and should roust crowds potentially baking in the sun at Denver's Empower Field at Mile High. Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 22 Mar. 2024 Their combination of sprightly cuteness, small size and determination — they were originally bred to roust badgers — endear them to many. Jennifer Peltz, Fortune, 20 Mar. 2024 For the first time in 18 months, Pyle slept in a private room with a locked door and without fear that someone would roust him at night or steal his belongings. Chris Serres, Star Tribune, 13 Mar. 2021 See All Example Sentences for roust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for roust
Verb
  • Birdie cried and slept and cried, then woke to an oily splotch on the pillowcase.
    Rachel Yoder, New Yorker, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Something about that moment woke the offense up as Jeremy Payne rushed in for a touchdown a few plays later.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026
Verb
  • Loud thunderclaps awakened residents, lightning sparked small fires and power outages and rainfall slowed the morning commute.
    Tevian Whitehurst, AZCentral.com, 28 July 2026
  • Other bright-light studies show roughly 20% to 40% higher peak cortisol in the first hour after awakening when subjects are exposed to bright morning light compared with dim light, though exact figures differ by study.
    Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2026
Verb
  • One by one, as if roused from a trance, my fellow staffers rose from their workstations and filed to the exit.
    Danny Heitman, Christian Science Monitor, 31 July 2026
  • This one laid the groundwork for an entire genre with its gross-out gags, copious substance abuse, and rousing victory at the end.
    K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 31 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Roust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/roust. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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